Hi, my name is Alicia-Lorraine! I am a Computer Engineering major and will be in my third year at UCF. I am from Melbourne, FL and graduated from Viera High School. I have always been interested in STEM, but I also love art. I was initially an Art major at UCF and took some of my favorite classes like Intro to Computer Art. I got to use all sorts of programs to create art and it’s a lot of fun. I switched to Computer Engineering as I started to get involved in STEM clubs and attending programming and computer club sessions. My favorite STEM class so far has been Chemistry; it’s challenging but fun. My favorite professor, Professor Dixon, teaches Principles of Chemistry for engineers. He uses a lot of repetition and visual cues which is helpful for me as I am a big visual learner. He also has all the resources you need to pass the class, and he really pushes me to do my best. I love to get involved with WiSTEM because it gives me the opportunity to help freshmen with similar majors as my own navigate their first year. I know I struggled in my first year and took a big leap for me to get on the path I am now as a Computer Engineering major. This program is the perfect opportunity for me to provide necessary resources and support for my mentees, as well as learn from my mentees.

Coming into UCF I have always lived by the motto, “Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Change can be scary and intimidating but once you get used to it, it’s not so bad! I love doing new things in my free time away from school like driving around to museums, reading, and collecting my “grandma hobbies” like crocheting, sewing, embroidery, and now scrapbooking! I also love playing volleyball, going on walks, and playing video games with friends.